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Home My WebLink About20210552 Ver 1_BR-0033 NLEB and Gray Bat - SLOPES_20210916 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ROY COOPER J. ERIC BOYETTE GOVERNOR SECRETARY Mailing Address: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT 1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH, NC 27699-1598 Telephone: (919) 707-6000 Fax: (919) 250-4224 Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968 Website: www.ncdot.gov Location: 1000 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE RALEIGH, NC 27610 September 10, 2021 TO: Jeff Hemphill, Environmental Senior Specialist Environmental Coordination & Permitting Group, EAU FROM: Melissa Miller, Environmental Program Consultant Biological Surveys Group, EAU SUBJECT: Section 7 survey results for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), and gray bat (Myotis grisescens) associated with the replacement of Bridge No. 84 over I-40 on SR 1234 in McDowell County, TIP No. BR-0033. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT, Division 13) proposes to replace Bridge No. 84 over I-40 on SR 1234 in McDowell County, TIP No. BR-0033. The existing bridge is a four span structure with steel beams, concrete deck, end walls and guard rails. The overall length of the structure is 233 feet. Northern long-eared bat The project to replace Bridge No. 84 has been reviewed for effects on the northern long-eared bat (NLEB). As of May 4, 2015, NLEB is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as “Threatened” under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. As of September 10, 2021, NLEB is listed in IPaC (https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/) as occurring in McDowell County. According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated July 2021, the nearest NLEB hibernacula record is 15 miles southwest of the project and no known NLEB roost trees occur within 150 feet of the project area. NCDOT has also reviewed the USFWS Asheville Field office website (http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/project_review/NLEB_in_WNC.html) for consistency with NHP records. This project is located entirely outside of the red highlighted areas (12-digit HUC) that the USFWS Asheville Field Office has determined to be representative of an area that may require consultation. The closest 12 digit (030501010202) red HUC is approximately 10 miles away (North Fork Catawba River). On June 9, 2021, NV5 biologists assessed bridge No. 84 for potential northern long-eared bat habitat. Suitable roosting crevices and deck drains were present on the structure. No evidence (bats, staining, and guano) of bats was observed. Bridge No. 84 was previously surveyed in 2018 by NCDOT biologists. No evidence of bats in any form (bats, guano, staining) was observed during that survey. Snags and shaggy barked trees greater than 3”dbh are present within the project area. Based on the presence of suitable roost trees, NCDOT recommends a Biological Conclusion of May Affect Not Likely To Adversely Affect for the northern long-eared bat. In order to minimize impacts to potential roosting habitat, a tree clearing moratorium may be required between April 1 and October 15 of any year. Gray bat The project to replace Bridge No. 84 has also been reviewed for effects on the gray bat (MYGR). As of April 28, 1976, the gray bat was listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as “Endangered” under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. As of September 10, 2021, MYGR is listed in IPaC (https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/) as occurring in McDowell County. According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated in July 2021, MYGR have been documented in McDowell County. USFWS, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) and NHP data indicate that the closest known occurrence of MYGR is approximately 7 miles northeast of the project site. On June 9, 2021, NV5 biologists assessed bridge No. 84 for potential gray bat habitat. Suitable roosting crevices and deck drains were present on the structure. No evidence of bats (bats, staining, or guano) was observed. Bridge No. 84 was previously surveyed in 2018 by NCDOT biologists. No evidence of bats in any form (bats, guano, staining) was observed during that survey. No caves or mines are located within the project footprint or within line of sight of the bridge. Based on the bridge type, and the lack of caves or mines in the project vicinity, NCDOT recommends a Biological Conclusion of MAY AFFECT NOT LIKLEY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT for gray bats. If you need any additional information, please contact Melissa Miller at 919-707-6127.